Reviews (2,009)

Larner · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

He handled that period well enough, apparently! And in this world changes do come--frequently! Finrod is indeed finding his own way and doing so with his native grace.

Dreamflower · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

Things are beginning to settle into a "new normal" for the Elves, with new living arrangements and the minutiae of daily living take priority--and yet I can sense that Finrod is entirely all too aware of Manwe's warning. Loved the "story hour", though I confess I find it difficult to imagine a "light" version of the tale of Turin. While the Children of Hurin is probably my favorite First Age tale, I can't think how it could be bowdlerized enough for pre-schoolers! Still, I suppose if *anyone* could do that it would be Finrod. (Personally, I've always thought what Turin truly needed was a hobbit to keep him company. He'd have been far less gloomy and prideful with a nice perian at his side.)

Kevana · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

The other Elves actually had to resort to taking Glorfindel's phone away, and banning him from using theirs. His mental and emotion engine must still be running really hot right now, but at least he calmed down and saw sense. That's a good step in the right direction I think. Reminds me of that time in EI shortly after he was Reborn that Námo and Irmo had to have a talk with him in the maze about his role as Finrod's friend. I wonder if bullet wounds possibly affect Elves longer than some other types of injuries they've sustained, since Finrod is still in some pain from it. It reminds me of the way some evil-related wounds tended to fester and linger even in Elves. It would be so sad if modern day human weapons had the same effect on Elves, because what would that say about Mortals. Nell, bless her heart! I can understand Finrod's reluctance to give her a loose rein, particularly after the talk he just had with Manwë, but she must have been feeling so frustrated and perhaps resentful at being held back. It might have been better to take the risk of letting her go over letting those feelings fester. And the proposed living situation sounds like a sitcom waiting to happen. ;) Sunny, you made me cackle delightedly. Her mom was already quite the revolutionary, and it seems Nell inherited more of that than big sister Celebrian did. I was just thinking that Vorondur was a calming presence among a lot of very commanding personalities, and completely forgot he was moving out. Hah! You did a great job of describing how the house felt afterwards, and the surprise Finrod felt came through so clearly I could almost hear the echoes in the empty space myself. Finrod reading and singing to the kids was precious. Hopefully the dinner party won't be as exciting as the New Year's cookout was. Or at least that any lurking Maiar will behave themselves. Thanks as always for a great chapter! -Kevana P.S. to my fellow Fiondil-fans, my email address is indragonbloodink@gmail.com. I'm often fascinated by the things you guys mention and the perspectives you bring to the table in your reviews and just wanted to toss my email out there in case you'd ever like to chat about Tolkien or anything else, because you're a really interesting bunch.

6336 · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

Hay, Finda ease up Kiddo, they love you and are concerned for you. Smart move not walking home alone, there is bound to be someone who would take advantage of it. Not all Wiseman love our Elves. Nice solution to housing for Nell, she is out of the house but under her nephews eye. (Why does that sound weird?) I wonder if the children will want Quinn to read to them at the next Story Time? Maybe he and Nick can alternate weeks and give each other a break. What is it with Elves and food? Huggs, Lynda

Sunny · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

Rather quiet here, but I'm sure trouble is waiting in the wings to pounce on our heros. ;-) So Nelluin gets to live in a dorm on campus, just like the boys. And I'm sure the girls she will be living with is going to give er quite an educations, introducing her to concepts like women's liberation, equality and other thinks that will be heady fare for someone hailing from a patriarchal, medieval-style culture. what fun! I'm sure Finrod will be asked to do story Hour again, so he'd better stock up on kid-friendly stories... :-)

UTfrog · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 7: The Rest of the Week

Thank you so much for a delightful chapter. I loved that you did give us Nell's entirely reasonable response to being allowed to live on campus. Of course she cried tears of joy. She really was not expecting the recognition. Also of course, she is at risk for danger and for unexpected attitude developments since she is adjusting well. Can they not remember that she IS daughter to Celeborn and Galadriel? With that heritage she was always going to be a handful. Finrod singing had to have been a treat for everyone.

ellie · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

It is seldom a good thing when a Vala shows up (and dude seriously needs spurs to complete the ensemble). The warning is ominous but not terribly insightful or helpful, is it? The Valar seem to excell at such things, don't they? LOL

obsidianj · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

Finrod seems not to have lost his touch. He manages to get the teenagers to think without telling them outright not to do something. The conversation with Manwe was interesting, but maddeningly vague. The idea that the youngsters will need more looking after because they have more than the usual freedom and nothing is as it was needs contemplating. I hadn't thought about that. So the older folks have trouble adapting to the radical changes and the young ones will get into trouble because of lack of experience with the dangers of the world. Looks like interesting times are ahead.

obsidianj · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

LOL! Namo'ed and Alex'ed. This chapter should come with a warning not to drink while reading. I nearly spilled coffee over my computer when reading that. I have the feeling this story is a lot about culture clash and adapting to change for the elves and mortals. Even after living in a foreign culture for a long time, culture clash still happens, and for me it even grates more because I thought I have it all figured out by now. I can so relate to the Valinorean elves. But even the Wiseman elves will have their issues especially the ones that have lived in Valinor at one time. They will be reminded of all they have lost and "forgotten" in the ages they lived in M-e.

Larner · 17 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

All too often we prove our own worst enemies, a fact I've had hammered home to me by my son recently.

Dreamflower · 17 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

OK, now I'm curious about what those kids were up to. My first thought, that they might be intending a bit of "I-dare-you-to-shoplift-in-front-of-an-Elf" didn't last long, but I can't figure out what they were actually up to. That was a VERY interesting talk with Manwe. I can see how our modern technology and devices might be awfully tempting to some Noldor though... So now I am curious about that as well. It looks as though the subtitle of this story is beginning to be foreshadowed.

demeter d · 17 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

I will attempt now to leave a more considered review than five crowded together last time. I never heard that John Steinbeck ever journeyed in that direction. I will check that one out. Kevana, I enjoyed both your reaction to the music in your head when a Vala shows up in one of those hats and dusters, and the link to the pottery. The pottery can have be a lovely commentary on overcoming adversity, becoming the better after trials. I enjoyed seeing Finrod encountering some young members of the melting pot which is Wiseman. It seems that all kinds of people are indeed being gathered. So, the Enemy Within may be the darkness within each of us. This should prove a most interesting tale. Manwe's discussion about the perils facing the younger members of the Elven group brought back memories. Through my childhood and youth in the 1960's and 1970's, our home television brought a turbulent world into our living room. There were the riots and protests of the Civil Rights movement. There were television camera men slogging through jungles in a far-away land called Viet Nam. When the cameramen came home, they focused on riots protesting that war. There were assasinations, elections and moon landings, right in our living rooms. In the area where I grew up, there are a wide variety of religious groups. Many of them have a lot to say about the premise of your Elf Academy, preparing for a Final Battle. And, a lot to say about a possible cleansed, perfected world after. Religious young ladies of several persuasions would gather together in the school lunchroom and have deep discussions. Discussions about what it might be like to live in a world at peace. Discussions about what the children would be like who grew up in such a world. Many of us wondered if people like us, who had only known the constant battle against the Dark, would even be content in a world of peace. And would the children of such a "Millenial Reign" even appreciate what they had? Deep memories! I will enjoy this journey very much.

6336 · 17 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

You know Finrod must be a great Dad, he managed to get those youngsters to stop and think with out yelling at them. Maybe in the future they will stop and think before doing something stupid! I see the next door neighbors are helping Quinn to settle in, "mm, doughnuts!" Manwe has given Finrod a lot to think about, it will be the younger ones who will cause the most problems in some ways, they are experiencing a lot more freedom than they are used to, they will have to be closely monitored to see that they do not take things too far!I wonder what Lauren and the others will have to say when they are told of the conversation. Coming along nicely, Huggs, Lynda

Laer · 17 January 2014 · Chapter 6: Finrod on His Own

He has progressed very fast from being a newbie to an experienced worker. ;) I am sure Nick will be pleased with how well he will do. Hope his father is ok, sometimes a broken leg turns into something worse for us elderly folks. So the enemy within might mean the enemy in our very soul? Yes, I can see that. Depression and anxiety. Needing to go forth and "see the world" and leaving other's behind; or the fact of seeing people or even brothers being hateful to each other for no apparent reason can cause the soul to hurt so bad it will turn into something unrecognized. Maybe? Maybe not. Guess I had better keep up on the chapters to find out huh?

Larner · 15 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

I agree with that observation regarding Namo. And the reaction to the intrusion was most interesting and instructive!

Larner · 15 January 2014 · Chapter 4: Into the Woods

Hmm. Interesting experience, although I find I don't blame Alex for his anger at what happened to Derek. Why indeed?

Idril Celebrindal · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

I need to stop reading before I eat. I always want to have what the Elves are cooking/eating. lol

Kitty · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

That's all wrong - they need to have second breakfast earlier, because then they have to have elevenses. Glorfindel didn't listen properly to Bilbo ;) Vorondur and Valandur are both very perceptive. Well, I guess it is to be expected of these two. In any case, I do understand the concerns. The anger was a bit misplaced, and reaching for weapons in that situation might be natural, but not the best idea as long as the intruders don't pull their own weapons. Amazing and brilliant and completely mad? Now that could be said of the Elves, too, if you ask me. Námo'd? *snicker* Love that! It's very fitting as well. As is Alexed :D Hopefully, Fionwë is listening in to learn how to make a good joke. Alex made a good point. There are already people who distrust the Elves or even see them as enemies, and that sort of reaction would seem threatening to them and do nothing to improve relations. Well, I can see Finda and his friends enjoying that they aren't limited by all the social and/or Court rules. For them, it has to be liberating in comparison to the older Elves who have lived with that for the Valar know how many ages of the world and don't know anything else. The older you get, the harder it is to adapt to changes. In any case, I can't wait for the Friday and the reactions of Anne and Andy to the truth. And I hope you didn't suffer too much from the cold. Even over here the news were full of the US weather.

Kitty · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 4: Into the Woods

It's always nice to see our favourite spy - excuse me, intelligence officer - and his gwador again. From the looks of it, their parents get along very well, too. Personally, I wouldn't mind these two to get together. Their sons would be happy, no doubt. *shakes head* Come alone? If that's not an invitation to bring someone else along in that situation, I don't know what is. Even more so considering their backgrounds. That message is a bit suspicious, after all. Come alone - in the middle of the night and to a rather secluded place? After what happened with Farrell and his little gang of thugs? That teleporting is new; unconsciously I had expected something along the lines of what a certain Hobbit and thirteen Dwarves encountered in Mirkwood. But of course, that would be too similar. To be honest, I don't think it was a good jest. There's nothing funny about getting Alex to gatecrash the party when the Elves wanted to be alone, and causing Derek to fall asleep there, even if the latter wasn't planned. From a Maia, I'd expect better. Yep, that was my first thought as well - that Alex could pass the wardline, but not Derek, has to have to do with Alex being a descendant of Aragorn and Arwen, and of Melian. He's not fully Mortal, even if the Elven and Maiarin part of him has to be tiny. Ha, there goes Alex again! Fionwë is never going to live that down - surprised and taken down by a Mortal for the second time! Well, serves him right. I hope he gets told off by Manwë. For some reason, I feel rather protective of Alex and Derek.

Kitty · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 3: New Year’s Eve

My favourite bookstore owner would probably kill for that sort of help. She absolutely hates the inventory and was complaining about it again just the other day. Not that I can blame her, it's tedious work. I am always glad that we don't have to do it - can you imagine doing it for over 700,000 books? Poor Nick. The idea of the Elves not truly sleeping for so long is disconcerting. It's bad enough when I don't sleep well for a night or two. And it looks like that brought home to him how different and how old the Elves actually are. It's mind-boggling. Sounds like a lovely light show, and quite a new experience for the Valinórean Elves.

Kitty · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 2: Conversations

Of course a bookstore is much better than the royal kitchens, with or without bossy Maiar involved. I've gotten a degree as housekeeper before I went on to become a librarian, so I am feeling like an expert here. That's a good way to use the buildings of the Academy all year round. That way the dormitories are still used, and I suppose it wouldn't pay off to build that many inns or hotels which would be empty at least half of the year. So that's a nice compromise. You know, I was just thinking - if the Dagor Dagorath isn't going to come in the lifetime of their current mortal friends, then that leaves *a lot* of space for sequels, just while Alex, Derek, Zach and the others are still around ;) In any case, regardless of when it will come, Finrod doesn't have an easy job. But if anyone can do it, then probably he. Vorondur has a point there. Hadn't seen it from that angle before, but he's right; that was a big step for Finrod. Luckily he started with a place where they gladly took him; with his current frame of mind, I am not sure how a refusal from Nick would have affected him. Probably wouldn't have gone too well. Hm, Valandur has a point, too. No need to draw too much attention onto what they can do. Cennanion certainly jinxed it with his last remark, even without a certain Maia listening in. (Yeah, have read the other posted chapters already)

Tari · 14 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

The elves certainly set a good example in that they work together, whether it's cooking or cleaning. I love the term "Namo'd". Why shouldn't the Valar and Maia be mischievous sometimes. It makes them appear not so stern and stiff.

Sunny · 13 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

Of course it was _Fionwë_ getting Alexed: Sorry about the typo! :-p

demeter d · 13 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

Yeah! You are back! Somehow I had the impression that you meant to return to Wiseman AFTER the New Year, so I was delighted when chapter ne showed up in my box and it was still December. From that title I guessed you might be exploring what Maddy Washburn had ahead of her upon her return to Washington. But I agree that there can be many other interpretations for that as well. As soon as you had Glorfindel and Finrod setting up a barrier, I KNEW that SOME mortal or other just HAD to show up to test it. But the who and why were a good surprise. I have been re-visiting "The Hobbit", the original that is, the book, to prepare for seeing P.J.'s latest little fan-fic chapter. I recognized the similarity to Dwarves in a forest right away. And giggled about that all day at work! You were a bit kinder to the boys than I thought you might be. I was imagining them waking up so late that the Elves would have to invite Anne and Andy to lunch at Edelhond and explain what had happened to their sons, hence rushing the reveal a bit soon. I continue to like your Vorondur more and more every time he appears. And he and Valandur begin to make a good team. I mean it as the purest compliment to say the Vorondur reminds me more and more of Dr. Freidman from the American television show MASH. (Condensed version review of four chapters. Cheers!)

Sunny · 13 January 2014 · Chapter 5: Discussions

I loved "Namo" as a verb - and I'm sure the expression will spread as wildfire among the Reborn. I'm also sure Vairë will be amused by the use of her husband's name like this. ;-) And Fiondil getting "Alex'ed" - surely that will become an expression among the Maiar, and if Fiondil doesn't like it, tough luck! Alex definitely did not need any of that kind of "fun" after the autumn and winter he has had, and after Manwë and Namo have pointed that out to him, I'm sure Irmo will want to point that out to him. And under the circumstances, I'm sure he can be as scary a dude as his big brother. Loved how Alex told the Elves off. I hope tey listen to him - he does have their best interest at heart, and as an ex-agent he would be trained to notice things that are "off" about peopleI loved Vorondur and Valadur's interaction - it's clear the two of them are going to get along like a house on fire! :-D